Renowned India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called time on his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey, ending a 16-year-long association with the tournament. The announcement comes months after his international retirement, closing one significant chapter in Indian cricket while opening another.
The declaration comes months after his international retirement, closing one significant chapter in Indian cricket while opening another.
Ashwin informed his decision through a heartfelt social media post.
“They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” he wrote on X.
“My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow active Indian cricketers to feature in overseas leagues, making IPL retirement the only pathway for those seeking to broaden their T20 horizons. Ashwin had already stepped away from international cricket in December last year.
A master of variations and guile, Ashwin finishes his IPL journey as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history, with 187 scalps to his name. Over the years, he represented five franchises, leaving his mark with consistent performances and tactical brilliance. His most memorable stint came with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he lifted the coveted trophy in 2010 and 2011. Returning to the franchise for the 2025 edition brought his career full circle, ending where it all began.
Ashwin’s IPL journey started in 2008 when CSK picked him for their inaugural squad. He remained an integral part of the side until 2015, becoming a frontline bowler under MS Dhoni’s leadership. When CSK faced a two-year suspension, Ashwin moved to Rising Pune Supergiant, before missing the 2017 season due to injury.
From 2018 to 2019, he captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), showcasing his leadership qualities, before joining Delhi Capitals in 2020 and 2021. He then played three seasons with Rajasthan Royals, where his experience and unconventional strategies often made headlines. The 2025 season saw him return to his roots at CSK, where fans witnessed his farewell IPL campaign.
Interestingly, Ashwin commanded a higher salary than Dhoni in his final IPL season. While the veteran CSK skipper was retained for Rs 4 crore ahead of the 2025 auction, Ashwin fetched Rs 9.75 crore, underlining his value in the league even at the twilight of his career.
With his IPL chapter closed, Ashwin is now free to showcase his skills in global leagues, adding a new dimension to his storied career. For Indian fans, his departure marks the end of an era, but for the world of franchise cricket, it heralds the arrival of a proven match-winner ready to mesmerize new audiences.
Pic Credit (Screen grab: YouTube Chennai Super Kings)
